Modifying unhealthy behaviors among primary school children

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy behaviors among primary school children arise during childhood, which often persist into adulthood, affecting health and well-being in later life. These unhealthy behaviors are represented in the misuse use of technology, bullying, smoking and anxiety. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the educational health program on modifying unhealthy behaviors among primary school children. Design: Quasi-experimental was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. Setting: The study was conducted in the Sharabeya area affiliated to the Sharabeya Educational Administration of the Directorate of Education in Cairo, which includes many primary schools. Sample: A Multistage sample was selected randomly it compromised of 124 primary school children. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection, first tool: An interviewing questionnaire for primary school children including two parts; Part I:Demographic characteristics of the children, Part II: children's knowledge about unhealthy behaviors. Second tool: Assessing children reported practices about unhealthy behaviors. Results: the main results of the study revealed that, significant improvement in children knowledge and their reported practices regarding unhealthy behaviors. Conclusions: the study concluded that the educational health program remarked improvement all items of knowledge and reported practice of children related to unhealthy behavior.